Awesome Affordable Telephoto Lens - Canon 200mm f2.8 L - For Mirrorless and DSLRs

This lens can outshine even the best telephoto zooms out there. Without breaking bank or your back. Used it can be had sub $500 which is way bellow a 70-200 zooms with equivalent image quality. If you are looking for a used copy, consider MPG and support the channel at the same time.
MPB US
prf.hn/l/y8BokN4
MPB EU
prf.hn/l/mVEMj0m
MPB UK
prf.hn/l/gx1jay3
Want to buy me a coffee?
www.buymeacoff...
If you rather just splash away on a brand new lens (I wouldn't, I buy used) you can do so here:
Canon 200mm f2.8 L,
www.bhphotovid...
Other gear used:
Canon 6D Mark II,
www.bhphotovid...
Canon 28mm f1.8,
www.bhphotovid...
Canon 50mm f1.8,
www.bhphotovid...
Canon 85mm f1.8,
www.bhphotovid...
Instagram: / mattiasburling
Music: "Let's Go Home", Jeremy Blake

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

If you are looking for a used copy, consider MPG and support the channel at the same time. MPB US prf.hn/l/y8BokN4 MPB EU prf.hn/l/mVEMj0m MPB UK prf.hn/l/gx1jay3

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

"Either you are a creep or you are not. It doesn't matter what lens you have." Truth.

[@ropersix]

I do both candid and posed streetstyle out on the street, and once when I stopped a woman to ask if I could take her photo, she asked me why I didn't just take a photo without asking/stopping her (she did agree to a posed shot). The point is, she seemed happy for me to take her photo either way--or at least not care. It really does depend on your intent, and how you're out there going about things.

[@ropersix]

Kid Kurtz, I think those bicycle couriers yell at everyone.

[@DamianBrown]

Love this quote!!

[@paulmaartin]

I thought that creeps used short focal length

[@desanjuanaestambul]

@@ropersixI often take the photos first, and then ALWAYS approach the person later and ask for their PERMISSION to take more or show them the ones I already have. If they frown, I offer to delete them. If they agree, I ask them to keep and post them on my SM accounts. And I ALWAYS ask them before publishing.

[@yvsevyse4562]

Thank you! I was thinking about the 70-200 f4 non is for the money, but i think ill be going with this one instead.

[@ropersix]

That does look like a great lens for a great price. I sold my 70-200 because I rarely used it, hated lugging it around, and didn't like the thought of so much money just sitting there not being used much. But every now and then I miss having 200mm, and this does sound like a nice option.

[@Iloveak123]

I dont care about the lens, I just love watching your videos.

[@captainmerica2498]

Same

[@qt31415]

and gunpowder portraits

[@nerwin]

He has a great voice too, really keeps me interested and even inspires me to get me outside and shoot!

[@JezLerman]

For me, this is the second most important photography-related KZbin clip I've seen during 2018. Thank you, Mattias, for posting and sharing it.

[@JezLerman]

For anyone interested, the other clip is by Joe Edleman, kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGLFqJdthbadn6c

[@kiwipics]

I have had a 200mm f2.8 L Mk1 from new, and it's one lens along with my 35-350mm L that I won't part with. I use mine with my Canon EOS1, 5D Mk1, 50d and M10 (and the M10 focuses fast) with no issues.

[@MrJAM-np7go]

All Canon telephoto lenses are awesome, no matter what price tag is, IMO. I loved 100mm F2 especially.

[@Celestialrob]

I shoot Sony a7r2 and purchased the Canon 135/2L and 200/2.8L, though I paid more than you. Both lenses are lovely and work really well with the Sigma converter. So happy to see your video.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Robert Holloway cool, I'm very curious to test it on Fuji as well.

[@godz2928]

No autofocus issue sir?

[@cricketer3135]

Hi, canon 200mm 2.8 autofocus work on Sony a7iii ?? Thanks

[@wasee6694]

Robert Holloway Sir, does eye af & face recognition works with sigma mc11 adapter when attached with Sony a7r ii with canon 200 f2.8 L ii USM.

[@jtes1442]

One of the better KZbinrs ! love the sincerity you have . Your videos are a joy to watch .

[@chrislj2890]

Great results with the Canon and Panasonic. What in the world would you do without that photogenic puppy who models for you, lol.

[@TawhidKhan11]

I was sleeping & got this notification. Woke up & this is the first thing I watched in the morning, it made me happy. Loved the photos, great video as always.

[@PhilippeRoberge]

I was planning on buying this lens before you posted the video - I've had it for 3 days now and I can confirm that everything you said is on point! Absolutely loving the lens, and how light and solid it is!

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Yeah its a bit weird not more people are talking about it imo. Going to test in on Fuji this week to see how it performs.

[@phanumatduangthai3401]

Canon color science is the best! I didn't realize it until I left it and back again.

[@raelic3]

One of the first L lenses I've bought and still one of my favorites

[@A-Visual]

Just got this Canon EF 200 f2.8 L II USM in mint condition with the lens hood and Canon black tripod ring mount a(b) for 210 USD shipped. So stoked! Very sharp lens! :D This review made me get it. Thanks alot Mattias for all your videos!

[@gedav1234]

The old Nikon 180mm f2.8 is lovely too!

[@SamsonCBLau]

Tks Mattias, I also got a nice condition one for my Fuji XH1, it work great with the camera and af speed are so fast enough for sport and birding, planing buy a adapter for my EM 10 MK2.

[@watchandjewelryloft4713]

Picked up a used 5D2, 28-135mm, 50mm STM, and Tamron 28-80mm all for $275. Selling the two zooms and putting that towards a 200mm f/2.8. I can't wait until it arrives!! Excellent review

[@austinwang871]

I had the same lens before! Picked it up used as part of a kit for quite a good deal but after shooting with it for a while I realised it has too long of a focal length on my crop sensor cameras. Recently I traded it for a 100mm macro IS and I must say that the 100mm is no slouch either. Like the 200mm, it's a lens that gets out of the way of shooting. You don't have to think about it when shooting unlike some other zoom lenses. Hope to see more short videos like this one.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Austin Wang Yeah I love 85mm but have been thinking about 100 or 135mm as well.

[@jdpst20]

I picked up a super well taken care of pretty much brand new from Japan the 80-200mm "Drainpipe" and friggin love it! For the price I got it for I really don't care if after a year or two if it breaks and cant be fixed. I'll then probably upgrade to the newer one. I do miss not having IS in some instances but for the most part the lens rocks. Def on par with the 200 2.8.

[@esppics21]

I use this lens on my Sony A7III with MC-11 adapter and works amazing. I love it!!!!

[@cricketer3135]

Eddie Sanchez would this lens work with Sony a7iii on video?? Thanks

[@mmur123]

does it really? im thinking on getting this one for my a6400

[@cricketer3135]

Marcelo Mur kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpqqYmyvpbiSmZI

[@tonypc84]

Awesome. I don't even have a camera for this lens and I want it. Time for more adapters!

[@gcprost]

When I shot Canon, this was the sharpest lens I owned.

[@PeacePham1991]

What are other lenses do you have?

[@gcprost]

Tran Thai Binh Now I have 2 GH5 so all my lenses are M43.

[@PeacePham1991]

@@gcprost Thank you

[@alexisvan222]

@@gcprost mine too but still adapting these canons

[@duckiedx]

I love this lens

[@burgulize]

This, probably.. will be the only EF lens I will adapt to my GX7! (I lean towards the FD line) Thank you for the great review! :)

[@danielwylie-eggert2041]

You really are an amazing photographer.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Daniel Wylie-Eggert Thank you!

[@kevindiossi]

I debated buying this lens for a long time. Then I remembered that I had the 1.4x extender III and could jist use that with my 135L and get a 189mm f/2.8. Both are great lenses, but not having to worry about space for an additional lens is nice.

[@moonrisepictures7623]

no loss of sharpness with the extender?

[@kevindiossi]

@@moonrisepictures7623 I have the version 3 and it's minimal on 20mp full frame. It may be more significant on a crop sensor.

[@christophergrundy5307]

This is an excellent review, with some great sample shots. The video footage from the Lumix G80 was also impressive.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Christopher Grundy Thanks!

[@georgesealy4706]

Thanks for sharing this post. Now that the RF lenses are being sold, EF variants have come down in price. I am giving this lens a lot of consideration. It can be purchased for a very reasonable amount.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

EF glass will be the new m42.

[@Magnetron692]

Hi Mattias! Thanks a lot for this recommendation! I purchased the Canon EF 2.0/135mm L USM which is similar and offers a stellar image quality likewise. I recommend looking for a Canon EF 2.8-4.0/28-80mm L USM. Heavy, but with amazing image quality and very affordable for marvelous pictures of Gunpowder. I‘m very happy with mine in mint condition. Best wishes, Ralf

[@UncIeMJ]

My all time favorite. Thank you for that video. It deserves more love.

[@tarlisko]

i love your doggo! great review btw

[@MikMilman]

Glad to see a good photographer do a review. I can't believe how bad the photos in some review videos. I made a parody video on my channel about it.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Mik Milman Thanks, I watched a couple of your videos. Its good stuff, interesting and to the point.

[@MikMilman]

@@gearreallydoesntmatter thank you. Big fan of your channel. I have this lens. It's got an issue but you've encouraged me to get it fixed asap

[@MikMilman]

@@gearreallydoesntmatter also have you compared it to the 70 to 200 2.8 at 200 m m?

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Mik Milman not side by side no. But it definitely makes me not miss lugging my 70-200 around.

[@skyeleake9943]

Glad the Matti tax has died down on this one, managed to snag a Japan copy for $300 shipped. I am STOKED to give this a whirl on my m5 & a speed booster.

[@GigiScorcia]

Beautiful shots

[@MarcosGazza]

Great video, didn't know about this as an option, as I had looked for the Grey telephoto lenses. On my options list now. :) Thanks.

[@IdrisElba007]

Think you’re gonna upload any film videos in the future? I love them ❤️

[@buitung9683]

Can you pls do a video on Canon NFD 80-200 F4 L? Legends are written but have never been testified by videos on KZbin.

[@karellen00]

Those 200/2.8 primes are too easily overlooked when compared to 70-200 counterparts. True that you loose the wide end, so less flexibility, but you also get a much smaller and lighter lens, that is also sharper and costs 1/3 of the price!

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Marco Toselli True!

[@charity7006]

What about sharpness?

[@karellen00]

To make a fixed focal length of 200 mm is much easier than a zoom that can change from 70 to 200. As an example this 200 mm has 9 elements, compared to 23 of the 70-200. Having fewer elements it is possible to have a simpler but more effective design. Also as light passes trough each lens there is a slight decrease in contrast, and having a lot of lenses it's easier that the alignment of some is less than perfect. Generally with complex zooms there is more variance between copies: it's possible that of two same lenses one is sharper than the other, whereas with primes it's rare that it happens.

[@villageblunder4787]

Technically the Canon 70-200nn f2.8 IS USM Mkii is sharper, according to DXO Mark - But the 200 is a great lens. Kind of wish I hadn't given it to my sister. Might buy another one.

[@karellen00]

Sometimes perceived sharpness depends more from contrast (both macrocontrast and microcontrast) than from the resolution itself. Generally 70-200 are intended as portrait lenses, so they have a little less contrast than 200 primes, that are intended more for landscape and details. This is also confirmed by experience, even if I compare the nikon and canon 70-200 to my pentax 200/2.8. The same with my zeiss 18/3.5, that seems sharper and clearer than modern wide zooms, even if not exceptional when measured in lines per mm.

[@chanjiachi]

Beautiful pictures!

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

I've had this lens for years and use it with a Canon élan 7ne film camera. I also have a Panasonic G85, but I never considered using it with a focal reducer. Interesting idea!

[@BlueRoomConspiracy]

thanks for doing this! I was confused by the panny / viltrox thing until i realized you were saying 284mm full frame equivalent. it would be 142mm if comparing to a Panasonic MFT equivalent 👍 but f/2.0 ... needless to say you helped me decide!

[@mariusmaronde8872]

Hi, great Video as usual!!! I got the canon EF L 200mm f2.8 Mark 1. Super super rare but even cheaper. As far as i concered the optical formula is the same. Greetings from Germany

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Marius Maronde Its probably just a coating separating them, which is usually a marginal improvement.

[@aqib.a.a7513]

Can you check out and do some reviews on FD lenses? Thank you!

[@MaddyBee]

Cheers Mattias! if people are looking for a more compact telephoto Prime for street photography, give the canon 100mm F2 a look. In terms of size it isnt much bigger than a Helios, and its AF is really quick on a 5D classic, so i can imagine it only gets better on more modern body's. One downside is its aberrations, they can be intense, but a black and white colour grade should help quell it in photos where it is particularly bad!

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Riley Burling the 85mm f1.8 is my goto street lens. Also very affordable.

[@KingofStreet3]

I swear this guy is the devil on my shoulder. The lens I need for my Fuji lol now I need an adapter first.

[@goranpavletic2145]

Great video review and photos!

[@Veptis]

Sometimes I am sad to not have a lens mount on my digital stills camera.... But I got all over the place analog SLRs. My only digital lens mount is on the BMPCC, where 200 would be enough to shoot the moon with like a 1.9° FoV. But the 25.8 inside the RX100 ist Not far enough for portrait.

[@mikaelhylander6321]

Tack för videon. Är lite sugen på denna, har ett 135 2,0L och antar de är ganska jämförbara kvalitetsmässigt. Borde passa både bra till motorsport och porträtt / hundfoto.

[@carlwilkerson9722]

It is important to have a reliable telephoto lens to photograph the wild French bulldog in his natural habitat, Scandinavia. It is a mistake to approach them too intrusively. (They either run away or salivate on your lens hood.)

[@DJKNIGHTXIII]

“ Either you are a creep or not “...... I am still laughing 😂, you got my subscription Squire.

[@prphilipp]

Has anyone here tested this lens on a A7II (not R), with which adapter, and what was the results?? Especially interested in the AF performance incl eye-focus.

[@BaldRavenHaired]

Love your videos. Could u check out the Sony qx1. Its a weird camera attachment thing. Also the sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens.

[@ttt087]

one of the best canon L lens ever

[@dominicraju166]

Live focus ?

[@MuwexTech]

Bang on with the video!

[@justyjust]

Great video as always, you went for the g85 then great choice 👍

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

justyjust So far I'm digging it.

[@ahmonon4352]

Great video

[@deanrebuyon3046]

Wow I'm sold!

[@rahmanahashem3484]

That is not a "Canon 200mm f2.8 L", it is a Canon 200mm f2.8 L II. You may want to update the title.

[@ramonrl91]

Great video ! What do you think about this lens for an APS-C sensor? Have a Canon 7D at the moment, but thinking about upgrading it to a Full frame in the future and I'm looking for a telephoto lens that suits both options. Thanks !

[@JayTsTech]

I almost bought one of these for my Sony a couple months ago.... idk how I talked myself out of it lol

[@hasan0770816268]

Your videos calm me down, idk why 😁, i wish u make a video review on an affordable focal reducer for apsc

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Hasan Ali The Viltrox is available for APS-C and doesn't cost much.

[@diegochavezly4463]

Okay your photos are way too good

[@SuperBuickregal]

Thanks for the great info!

[@justintse4017]

Hi Matt! Another excellent video that has got my wallet shaking. Quick questions, why did you choose the MK II instead of MK I? I am not finding a lot of information online except the lens hood.. appreciate your help!

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

It was the one available. I’m guessing it’s a marginal upgrade in coating. The first version apparently has an integrated lens hood, which would be awesome.

[@justintse4017]

@@gearreallydoesntmatter thanks! It is almost 50% off for MK i so I know which one to get ;)

[@dramamine755]

i got a 70-200 2.8 Tamron for $750 used and I absolutely love it. But its amazing Canon released this.

[@kaydawgy1999]

has anyone tested it with mirrorless cameras like the EOS R?

[@tommyharbofriis]

Thats the diff berwin the 2 focus settings Guys?

[@Lastman10101]

135 was the bees knees

[@Biosynchro]

You raise a wider point here. Primes have fallen out of fashion, thanks to excellent modern zoom lenses (e.g. Sony 24-70/2.8 G). But it's easy to forget that primes are amazing value and in some cases, a pair or triplet of primes can be more compact than a zoom lens. The fact that these lenses are even better with focal length reducers makes them even more tempting. You put this straight onto an APS-C camera and you get the equivalent of a 300/2.8. On a M4/3 camera, it's like a 400/2.8. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars for those types of lenses!

[@dramamine755]

Karim Ghantous People are just lazy.

[@DamianBrown]

Now I want it. Grr :D

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Damian Brown Im super curious to try it with a Viltrox on Fuji :)

[@DamianBrown]

@@gearreallydoesntmatter I am back. Researching this lens to use with my Fringer adapter, maybe.. maybe not.

[@jf28]

3:05 "Respect is the key on the street."

[@DPoner]

Does Matthias have a slight British accent in his English?

[@alloneword154]

Is the 135mm better image ?

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Probably equal.

[@enkodernovi3524]

I need this on my fuji. Do you know is there any good adapter I can use with this lens to change apeture ? I don't need AF

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

The Viltrox is affordable. Also check Zed Pro Medias test with another adapter.

[@enkodernovi3524]

Thanks

[@enkodernovi3524]

I know. I just need longer prime for landscape.

[@enkodernovi3524]

@@davidbryant88 thanks i will take a look

[@buitung9683]

If you don't need AF, any of cheap adapter like this will do: K&F Concept レンズマウントアダプター KF-EFX (キャノンEFマウントレンズ → 富士フィルムXマウント変換) www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B01MQV40WQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_GrhNBbRHHM673 (My link is from Amazon Japan, but you'd get the name) Welcome to the MF club

[@dgerch]

Mattias or other commenters, what is an affordable fast telephoto lens with a comparable distance (130mm?) for fuji mounts. Open to getting a converter that speeds it up. Total budget around $500.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

I will review an affordable tele lens for Fuji shortly. It won't be as long as 200mm but still ok. If you look at my two videos with Fuji adapters you can see a lot of samples from this lens on Fuji.

[@dgerch]

@@gearreallydoesntmatter You are the best, Mattias. Ideally I'd get something that allowed my x-t20 to get a similar reach for street photos that you did. You somehow achieved intimacy with that focal length! I kive in LA and often shoot from my car window at night, driving home from work and my xf 56 solved the problem of lowlight noise but I need to get closer! Anyways, we all love your photos and videos. It's rare to have someone be so inclusive and generous with this kind of stuff. Sometimes photo dudes can be grumpy or intimidating, you're the exact opposite.

[@tedp9945]

Rad!!

[@MrJyHowse]

How does it compare to the 135mm f2? I was considering one for landscapes and portraits.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

MrJyHowse The 200mm might often be a bit long for portraits. So unless you also have for example a 85mm I would probably go for the 135mm.

[@MrJyHowse]

@@gearreallydoesntmatter cheers mate! Loving the videos as always.

[@Alien300Blackout]

So at 280 mm that's makes for good lens shooting wildlife

[@xinlei9245]

hi Mattias , you try the EF 200 f 2.8 lens on the eos R , have some problem ?

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Works perfectly.

[@xinlei9245]

@@gearreallydoesntmatter thanks share,,, i very like your video,,,haha

[@melvinch]

How does this compare to the FD version ?

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

No Idea.

[@Cullenkid24]

one of these days i'm just gonna find the perfect used full frame camera!

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Let us know when it happens :)

[@Cullenkid24]

Mattias Burling this lens is totally perfect and I totally feel that deal you got

[@michaelc4917]

Nikon D750 is pretty closed to Goldilocks. A beast of a low light camera, just a little bit worst than the D4. Better colors than Canon 6D and bc of the recalls, no one wants it in the used market. I got mine for $900 with 400 shutter clicks.

[@Cullenkid24]

Chi Auyeung thanks for the tip :D

[@kiwipics]

5d Mk1 ...

[@wasee6694]

Thanks for the review, did canon 200 L ii USM suffer from focus breathing, is it equal to 200mm or it is less than 200mm due to focus breathing. if you compare it with canon 70-200 L ii @200mm to know the fact and tell us.

[@LouisLuzuka]

this is crazy

[@NebulousFilms]

Can i adapt this lens on a nikon camera?

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Nebulous FilmZ You will be able to adapt it to the Nikon Z, not the F.

[@peterkaltoft8032]

Great video, and good recommendation. I just think that there is something wrong with the colors on the flag picture and video sequence. It looks too blue and yellow, must be a mistake. Should be red and white.

Funderar på om det inte vore en bra idé att lägga till "II USM" eller åtminstone "II" i titeln på videon.

[@Varhostak]

Tento objektiv mam a patri k mym nejoblibenejsim.

[@pepepe2627]

does this go with x-t2?

[@tuturuism]

With an adapter, yes

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Yup, a EF to X adapter and you are good to go. Just make sure the adapter has electronic aperture controls.

[@DJBastor]

3:55 Looks like Aboda klint:)

[@MrBlaarghh]

G80 review soon then? ;)

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

MrBlaarghh maybe, thinking about trading it for a G9 ;)

[@captainkanji1]

I had this lens. It just didn’t look as good as the 135. It’s great if you need 200, but not the best for portraits.

[@ronin550]

What A find!!!! I'll adapt this to my Sony!! LMAO

[@TJIzzy]

Too bad it doesnt have IS : /

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

TJ Israelsen no need :)

[@TJIzzy]

@@gearreallydoesntmatter for video; the 70-200 with is is good enough to hand hold for video work

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

TJ Israelsen So is this, with ibis, I think my example is good enough in the wind.

[@ehab007bob]

Panasonic asks 2500$ for their lens , what a joke

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Lens choice is still an issue with all mirrorless brands imo. There are plentiful of great lenses, no doubt. But no line is as complete as EF and Nikon, with low used prices.

[@MrPhins]

I can't ever look at a toadstool or mushroom any more without an image of God awful proportions entering my mind. Please help.

[@painful1978]

I don't consider the 200mm a real telephoto.. it's perfect for portraits or headshots.. i like to shoot birds pictures, and i feel that the 200mm lense doesn't really give me what want.. I have the 70-200, and i find out useless on both ends.

[@maxivespa]

there is also a very good canon ef 400 f5,6 L usm.That could be fine for your birds ;) (almost the same price)

[@guillermoperezsantos]

500 bucks is not budget....

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

It’s more like $3-350. But what cheaper 200mm f2.8 lenses are you comparing to?